The launch of the new water feature and stone herb garden at Lemm’s Corner on Friday 27 February, signified the completion of the first phase of the planned revamp. Edmund Bucchianeri, chairperson of the Old Harbour Museum’s Board of Trustees, said the Old Harbour Museum (OHM) paid for most of the revamp costs so far. This was possible because the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport provided a more generous subsidy and thus there was some of the other income available for the upgrading.

Elizabeth du Toit, manager of the OHM says the board of trustees decided to build the water feature. “Peter Jansen, with assistance of the two other maintenance staff and the EPWP maintenance students, built the water feature. Meindert Jonge Poerink from Fynbos Gardens contributed the water pump, some water plants, advice on the project and obtained sponsorships for trees,” explains Du Toit. Anton and Nicole Verhoogt organised and paid for the poles of the pergola, the grid in the water feature, the compost in the stone garden, and they provided and planted everything in the new garden and are maintaining it and will harvest the produce.

They also added some plants and fish to the water. Du Toit adds that the tree at the water feature was saved when the old library was demolished, and transplanted on the museum’s property. The olive trees around the edges were planted by the museum during the last upgrading. Architect Nicolette Lloyd talked guests through the proposal for the revamp, which includes the planting of trees, the placing of memory benches, bins, lights and kiosks. Lloyd says Lemm’s Corner represents a public-private partnership, because although the Fisherman’s Village is privately owned by the OHM, the community has a sense of ownership of the area. ”Inertia can creep in when there are too many voices and vested interests. Lots of voices and no money, is a bad combina combination. The next phase of the revamp will be the greening of the parkland. Trees will be planted, and free standing memory benches, that can be sponsored at R10 000 each, placed in designated spots. Lloyd says the proposed kiosks should be reserved for selling selective artisanal products.

(KERRY VAN RENSBURG)